My love for animals started when I was 5 or so years old. My mum tells me that I ran up to a police dog and wrapped myself around him. Ok, so that wasn't the thing to do even in those day but, what did I know. It happened so fast that poor mum and dog handler had no time to stop me.

So started my love of dogs but shepherds mostly. I have not owned a shepherd but I had a chance to work with them when I was in my teens. My experience is mostly with labs. For 14 years I had the pleasure of having a guide dog as my eyes to get around. They were the best and I miss not being able to work with one now.

Because of issues with mobility (cerebral palsy) I can no longer walk any great distance. Needless to say it was very hard to give up the bond you share with a working dog.

But I know that there is a puppy out there for me who loves cuddles and short walks.

Last but by no means least, there is our cat Chase. She is a sweetheart who wins everyone over with her gentle nature. Although shy she loves her people and has been our baby for the past 13 years. We have many friends who have guide dogs (big) and Chase doesn't bat an eyelid. :)

chico2

April 20th, 2007 03:51 PM

Puppy4me,Welcome to the Forum,I am sure you'll find the puppy you need or a mature older dog,who does not need to walk too much,but will offer you plenty of love:lovestruck:
If you don't need a guide-dog,just a dog to cuddle up with,the shelters have lots of dogs,who would be more than happy to give you love and devotion,in return for you rescuing him:dog:
Good Luck in your search for a companion:fingerscr

Puppy4me

April 20th, 2007 10:15 PM

Thanks for the welcome Chico2,

We will likely opt for a Yorkie. They are a small dog with a big heart. We are looking at breeders in our area for a pup but we aren't discounting a rescue either.

SableCollie

April 20th, 2007 10:45 PM

Welcome!

There are lots of yorkie rescues out there, also you can search [URL="http://www.petfinder.com"]http://www.petfinder.com[/URL] for specific breeds in your area, and it will show all the dogs in shelters and rescues that meet your criteria.

I hope you find a wonderful doggie companion, I don't think I could ever live without one!

rainbow

April 21st, 2007 11:23 PM

Welcome to the forum and I hope you find a new puppy soon. We'd love to see pics of Chase. :cat:

Puppy4me

July 18th, 2008 07:54 PM

Thought I would bring up my old post when I first joined rather then do a new intro. :) Even though it was over a year ago that I said we were looking for a puppy, we have not taken that step yet.

At the time we started looking, a friend of mine suddenly needed me to be there for her. She lived out of town so it ment me having to be ready to travel to her. So we put our bringing a pup into our home on hold. Sadly my friends husband passed away but she moved back to Hamilton and we can support her now in a much better way.

In the past year I have also had more mobility issues to deal with including my ability to do house keeping. We have changed a few things to make it easier for me such as swiffers and a carpet flicker.

The changes that have happened with me mean that I feel a small (toy) non shedding breed is best. I can care for the dog on my own if it is small which includes being able to take the dog to the vet on the bus or taxi as we don't drive. I really want a dog in my life but want to be independant in caring for the dog.

Our sweet Chase is still with us and is 14 years old. She is well socialized with dogs and just pops into her hidden place if she wants alone time from the K9 visiters. But most times she can be found stretched out near by her K9 friends.

We are looking at a yorkie but need to find one in Hamilton if possible because we don't drive and don't have family or friends who could help us search outside of Hamilton.

Look forward to looking around this site.

chico2

July 19th, 2008 07:33 AM

Welcome back Puppy4me,sorry to hear about all your troubles this past year:grouphug:
I keep thinking that a lively little puppy might be too much for you,hopefully you can find a little grownup pup already trained:fingerscr